Misc. Resources:11th Annual Accessing Higher Ground: H.B. 708: Distance Learning for Disabled Persons Accessible Assistive Technology in Eduction: New Mexico's Trailblazing Law A Very-Quick-&-Very-Dirty Overview to File Formats and Accessibility Post Secondary Assistive Technology Directory Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (June
1-4, 2008) |
A.T. Life ReporterA Newsletter about Assistive Technology for People with DisabilitiesWinter 2000 Volume IX, Issue 1In This Issue:
NMTAP Assists Transitioning Students Thanks To Legislative AppropriationThanks to the New Mexico State Legislature, $48,700 was appropriated to the ABLE program to purchase assistive devices for students with disabilities transitioning from high school.
Under the leadership of Suzanne Barsland, the NMTAP Coordinating Council made it a priority to have devices ready for transitioning students.
The first step was to identify students around the state in need of financial assistance. NMTAP notified Special Education Directors and DVR Counselors across the state who recommended students who met the following criteria:
The deadline for applications for funding was November 30, 1999, and NMTAP is pleased to have quite a list of transitioning students to consider. Should you know of a student in need, please contact NMTAP at 1-800-866-2253.
On The Road Again: Navajo-ABLE Cruises Across New Mexico & Arizona
The Navajo Assistive Bank of Loanable Equipment (Navajo ABLE) is led by NMTAP Project Director Kathy McWhorter and Navajo Nation Assistive Technology (AT) Coordinator Lavida Tom. The program has expanded the reach of the Assistive Technology Loan Bank beyond the borders of New Mexico. The program now encompasses all portions of the Navajo reservation, including lands in Arizona and New Mexico. Over the past several months, Kathy has travelled the full circuit of the two states, often accompanied by Lavida and NMTAP Director Alan Klaus, to meet with school personnel regarding the provision of AT services to students with disabilities. By working closely with Navajo OSERS (Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services), NMTAP's Navajo-ABLE is providing support to many people with disabilities of all ages. Here are just a few highlights from some of the recent activities on the Navajo Nation: 1) AT Training Sessions: An AT training session was held in Gallup, NM for therapists working with Navajo children with disabilities ages 0-3 years old. Based on a "train the trainers" model, this program included instruction on switch construction and toy modification. It is important that toys and devices are adapted to the needs of children with disabilities as they first experience independence and exert control. 2) AT Evaluations & Observations: Project consultants & staff have conducted numerous on-site, informal evaluations and observations of children ages 6 months - 12 years old. Working with local professionals and teachers, Navajo- ABLE staff members have studied the AT needs of Navajo children with disabilities. 3) AT Assessments In Window Rock, AZ: Working with an AT Assessment Team of teachers, therapists and administrators under a federal grant, Navajo-ABLE hopes to continue its support of the Window Rock team as it seeks to identify student needs and existing resources for Navajo people with disabilities. 4) Locating Potential Collaborative Partners: During work sessions in Tucson and Phoenix, Kathy & Alan met with representatives from a number of agencies that may also be able to help Navajo people with disabilities. Arizona agencies interested in possibly working with NMTAP include: Southwest Human Development, United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona, Easter Seals Arizona, The Galvin Group, TechnoGenesis, and the Institute for Human Development at Northern Arizona University. NMTAP is working to coordinate resources among these groups to optimize the AT opportunities for Navajo people. 1st Annual Statewide Summit on Assistive TechnologyWednesday March 1, 2000NMTAP and the New Mexico CEC, Technology and Media Division are sponsoring the first annual AT summit on Wednesday, March 1, 2000 in Albuquerque at the Hoffmantown Baptist Church from 8:30am to 4pm. Attendees will include educators, assistive technology specialists and educational technology specialists. Participants will work together to share perspectives and develop a statewide assistive technology plan for special education. For more information, or to attend this event, please call Bill Newroe at 1-800-866-2253.
Helping To Change the Life of A Special ChildYou most often read on these pages stories about the big, broad issues facing NMTAP - legislative strategies, program initiatives, and system changes, among others. What you are less likely to see are the tales about the daily, "behind-the-scenes" work carried on by the dedicated NMTAP staff - the mini-victories and the lives they touch - one person at a time. Here's such a story about a little girl named Dorina who attends school in Tohaali´, NM on the Navajo Nation.
Steve Gillenwater, Special Education Director of the Shiprock Agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), contacted Navajo-ABLE Project Director Kathy McWhorter for assistance in identifying technology that will increase her productivity. Dorina had already had modifications and accommodations made in her regular classroom for her, but she is extremely sensitive to the fact that she is different from her classmates. Navajo-ABLE staff made on-site visits in November and December to try to identify the appropriate technology to assist Dorina with her studies. The Loan Bank is in the process of obtaining the equipment that her special needs require. Without the appropriate AT devices, Dorina is missing opportunities to achieve grade-appropriate skills and to perform on a level playing field with her classmates. Navajo-ABLE is working with Dorina's classroom teacher Mrs. Johns, school principal DeeDee Bitsilly and therapists Robyn Nelson, OT, Don Blackburn, PT and Resource Teacher Robin Cain to acquire and combine adaptive devices to reverse the downward spiral facing Dorina. The team is recommending purchase of an articulating arm which would enable Dorina to rest her right forearm for continuous periods of time while continuing to engage in academic tasks and modified input such as the TASH Mini Keyboard. Also, Dorina could use writing assistance software that can be set to reduce energy and time, and programs that can practice rehearsal of basic skills. Once these devices are obtained, Dorina will receive help in learning to use the devices and staff will ensure the solutions will adequately support her academic workload. Dorina's case is just a small example of one of the many ways NMTAP staff touches the lives of New Mexicans with disabilities.
Ramp BuildingSteven is a homebound ten year old with Hunter's Syndrome, Hydrocephalus and Bells Palsy. Currently, his mother has to pick Steve up and carry him anywhere outside his home. A team made up of Steven's mother, Navajo-ABLE staff, his nurse, and his physical and occupational therapists are working together to find funding and labor to build a ramp so that Steven can be transported safely to and from their mobile home. If you can help, call Caroll Cadena at 1-800-866-2253.
Toll-Free Information and Referral HotlineNMTAP operates a statewide, toll-free, information and referral hotline to answer questions about assistive technology (AT) for persons with disabilities. Caroll Cadena, NMTAP Information and Referral Specialist, can help callers with all types of concerns ranging from questions about financing the purchase of AT devices to requests for local resources for people with disabilities to updates on the latest products and technology. Call Caroll at 1-800-866-2253 with your AT questions!
Spreading The WordDuring your morning and evening commute, take a moment to listen for the NMTAP ads on your local public radio station. For the next several months, NMTAP is sponsoring segments of radio shows during the morning and afternoon "drive times" that encourage employers to call NMTAP with questions about accommodations for employees with disabilities. Ads are being run in Las Cruces on KRWG-FM, and in Albuquerque and Santa Fe on KANW-FM and KUNM-FM. Used Modified Vans & Equipment AvailableNMTAP is listing used vehicles and equipment here as a service to our readers only, and does not endorse the quality or condition of the vehicles or devices. All negotiations and payments are strictly between the buyer and seller. Used Vans & Wheelchair Lifts: 1990 Ford E-150 Handicapped Van with EFI V8 motor and
a Ricon lift with two tie-downs.
1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager SE with Crow River Minivangater
Wheelchair Lift II.
Used Wheelchairs and Accessories:
TILT Car Carrier for $200. ($350 new)
Power 9000 Invacare Electric Wheelchair, 2 new batteries
and battery charger for $5,000. ($10,000 new).
Permobile Electric Wheelchair
Assistive Technology Personnel Wanted:Navajo ABLE is looking for people with AT experience to assist them with evaluations and assessments on the Navajo reservation. Specifically, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists are needed! If you are interested or know of someone who could provide these services, please contact Project Director Kathy McWhorter at (800) 866-2253 or via e-mail: (kathym@state.nm.us) You can reach Lavida Tom, the Navajo Nation Assistive Technology Coordinator at (520) 871-6338 ext. 7490 or via e-mail: (ltom@gimc.ihs.gov)
The A.T. Life Reporter is published by the New Mexico Technology Assistance Program, (NMTAP) State Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
The AT Life Reporter is currently mailed to individuals and organizations across the state. If you would like a copy of the newsletter, or want to be removed from our mailing list, please call 1-800-866-2253 (Voice) or 1-800-659-4915 (TTY).
NMTAP is funded through the State Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), under a grant from National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education. This publication does not necessarily reflect the views of DVR or NIDRR, and no official endorsement of material should be inferred. NMTAP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, ancestry, medical condition, age, religion or handicap, and provides, on request, reasonable accomodation, including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in all services, programs, and activities.
|
Dorina
is nine years old and was diagnosed at 22 months of age with Transverse
Myelitis, an irreversible condition that has resulted in bilateral paralysis.
In Dorina's case, her left arm and hand are paralyzed, but she can control
some degree of movement with her shoulder muscles. Dorina is experiencing
difficulties completing assigned academic tasks and homework, and keeping
up with the other students this fall in her 4th grade classroom.